Hello Siestas! I pray you are well and blessed.
My name is Amy. I grew up in Texas and New Mexico. I’m blessed to have been raised in a loving home where I grew up as a Pastor’s kid. While I am no longer living in either of those states, I still claim Texas as my ‘Home Sweet Home.’ I love to read, cook, organize everything, and writing. Just recently I took up knitting!
I chose a scripture that while I know it – I don’t live it. For that reason I don’t have it memorized like I should. It carries so much promise I knew I needed to share it with you.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
I could write about my insecurities and fears all day. In fact, I have re-written this post four times now. Why? I have a fear of what other people will think of me – of how I will sound when people read it. The funny thing is that I want to be a writer. My heart and passion are in encouraging others, listening to their stories, and teaching God’s Word.
It has taken me a few years to find out this is what I really want to do with my life. My education is not in English or Communication, but I have figured out that it doesn’t matter. As my pastor says, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
For years I have allowed my insecurities and fears to control me. I allowed the enemy to use them to hold me back from God’s call on my life. It has crept into my life in many areas: with my weight (a struggle that has lasted over fifteen years now), in finding a spouse, with other relationships, with job opportunities, with life goals I’ve wanted to achieve, and so much more.
Coming into this year I knew I had to change focus. My problem wasn’t that I didn’t know the issues I needed to deal with, or even the solutions to those issues, it was in the action to take the steps to achieve them. We’ve all been there at one time or another, right? Take my weight issue, for example: I’ve known for years I’ve needed to admit it, work on it, and conquer it. My problem wasn’t admitting I needed to lose weight. I had admitted that to family, friends and even myself. My problem wasn’t in knowing what to do – I had read everything, been to a dietitian, nutritionist, a few trainers, and tried many diets. My problem was simply doing it.
I have a wonderful younger brother. He has grown into an amazing man of God. He is my best friend and the best person in my life when it comes to being honest. He isn’t afraid of hurting my feelings. He loves me enough to speak truth. He talked to me the other night about this very issue of weight. His words, while truthful and hard-hitting, held so much grace. While I was carrying on about feeling alone with no one around to help me, he said “Amy, in the physical sense you are alone. You are alone because you are the only one who can physically do this. I can’t step into your body and make you – it’s up to you. But in the spiritual sense, you should know better. You are so strong. Physically you are strong. Spiritually you are strong. But you’re also strong mentally. If there is anyone I know who can do this it is you. You really are a warrior. You just have these jabs the enemy keeps hitting you with. You are in this for yourself!”
I need to hear those words. My eyes watered when he called me a warrior. I don’t know that I’ve ever been called that before. It made me realize that I’ve allowed my insecurities and fears to control me for too long – not just in my weight, but in many areas in my life. To hear someone I admire so dearly call me a warrior! I associate warrior with words like boldness, courage, dedication, steadfast, determined, unstoppable. To see my brother’s confidence in me helped me to understand that is how Christ sees me – like a warrior! I needed this to kick me into high gear.
Now I’m determined. I won’t allow fear or insecurity to hold me back from what God is calling me to do. It doesn’t matter what the issue, I can conquer it. I am a daughter of the Most High God. Dear Siesta, you are too!
I want to encourage you that whatever issues you are facing this year, remember that Jesus adores you and calls you His daughter. His Word says that we can confidently walk forward in life wearing strength and dignity as our fashion statement. We can walk into our future knowing that we are warriors for Christ. We don’t have to know the future to face it with confidence. The Word says we laugh without fear of the future! We don’t have to fear what is to come, our future mistakes, our insecurities and how they will play out.
We just do our part and take a step. Our confidence comes in knowing he is taking us one step at a time as Psalms 37:23 says: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” NLT
My prayer for us, Siestas, is that we take Him at His Word. He delights in the details of our lives, He knows what is to come, and we can confidently take the step, the action, and move forward, without fear.
Trudy Burnett, Middletown, OH
Give thanks to the Lord,
for he is good;
his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
Julia Posel, Munich, Germany. “„For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.“”
(Romans 1:16 ESV)
Lisa Cooper – Fort Worth, Texas
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 NASB
April, Garland TX, “I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.” – Philippians 2:28 ESV
Kelly Davis, Danville VA. Psalm 119:143. N.I.V.
Trouble and distress have come
Upon me, but your commandsgive me delight.
Wendy
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
“…far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
Ephesians 1:21 (as part of memorizing all of Ephesians 1
Brenna Wiggins,MS
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”
Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV
Dana Nance
Blue Ridge, Tx
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1 NIV1984
kathy, Austin 2 Cor.5:17 If anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation; old things have passed away; Behold all thing have become new.
Kayla Davisson, Fort Wayne IN
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
NIV
Lisa, Hutchins Tx
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 ESV
Stephanie from Houston, TX: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
Lori, McDonough, GA
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. but the greatest of these is Love. 1 Cor 13:13 NIV
Melanie Anderson, Groesbeck, TX
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10 NIV(1984)
Pam Bryant – Kountze, Tx.
In my distress I cried to the Lord,
and He heard me.
Psalm 120:1 NKJV
Michelle Brownell, Sturgis MI
You have made know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 NIV
Lisa Zink
Chickasha, “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
Psalm 18:30 NIV
Linda
Peoria,Arizona
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Tracy Pratz Las Cruces, NM
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock
Matthew 8:24 NIV
Karen J., Bingham Lake, MN
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
I Peter 5:10 ESV
Amy Brown
New Palestine, IN
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:24
Kim S., Nashville, TN:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 90:1 (ESV)
Terryl Arola, Pine City MN
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8 (NIV)
Susan G., Overland Park, KS
“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”
Ps. 119:16 NIV
Val Parker Dequincy, LA “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”
Psalm 147:5 NIV
Tina D. Clovis NM
Matt 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Eva, Knoxville, TN -Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Ecclesiastes 3:15 NIV
Amy Toney, Houston TX:
Do not fear, for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
I will help you,
I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Amanda Gozur, Albuquerque, NM
“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14 (NLT)
jenna, ft worth, tx
I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms-
I’m celebrating your rescue.
I’m singing at the top of my lungs,
I’m so full of answered prayers.
Psalm 13:5-6 msg
Stephanie, Austin, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
Jamee Miller, Sanford, FL “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:3-4a NIV
“For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29 NASB
Renee, Rockford, MI
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:5 (NIV)
Uniontown, Kansas
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 NKJ
Nancy Dal Pian, Port Charlotte, FL
Psalm 91:3-4 NIV
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Kim, Euless, TX
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened — burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.”
Psalm 40:6 NIV
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. Psalm 99:9 NIV.
Elmwood, Tennessee
“I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (GNT)
“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.
2Cor6:18 NASB
Sara Meredith
Morton IL
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope. –Jeremiah 29:11
Jan in Fulshear
Ex. 14:14
The Lord himself will fight for you. You need only be still.
Stephanie, Saint George, UT
Every Word of the Lord is tested, refined and proven to be pure. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
– Proverbs 30:5 NIV
Hillary Dickey, D’iberville, MS
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Jeri Cook
Missouri City, Tx
Psalm 116:12 KJV
What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?
Julie Holloway – Lafayette, LA
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3
Sandy Shiflett Deming NM
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20 NKJV
SSMT November 15, 2015
Sherrie Lynn, Collierville, TN.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
Punky Tolson, Dallas, TX “But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5, NET
Ruth, Odin, IL
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Romans 8:34 (NIV84)